AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, February 9

Ducks' Alex Killorn Praised for Leadership, Mentorship, and 1,000-Game Milestone

AutoDraft Pro AI

Anaheim Ducks veteran Alex Killorn, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is lauded for his significant impact both on and off the ice, particularly his mentorship of young talents like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. The 34-year-old, who signed a four-year, $25 million deal in 2023, recently celebrated his 1,000th NHL game with a special ceremony. Killorn, who became a father in May 2025, is credited with helping Gauthier improve his wall play and is seen as a crucial leader as the Ducks navigate a turnaround season, finding themselves in a playoff spot in February 2026.

Travis Dermott Signs PTO with Rangers' AHL Affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack

AutoDraft Pro AI

Defenseman Travis Dermott has signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. This PTO, lasting 25 games, provides Dermott an opportunity to gain game action during the NHL Olympic break. With the Rangers actively retooling their roster and likely seeking depth reinforcements before the March 6th trade deadline, the 29-year-old's extensive NHL experience (348 career games, 16 goals, 46 assists, 62 points, 15:50 ATOI) could position him favorably for a potential call-up. He has previously played for the Maple Leafs, Canucks, Coyotes, Oilers, and Wild.

Kraken Rookie Oscar Fisker Molgaard to Center Denmark's Second Line at Olympics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Kraken and Coachella Valley Firebirds rookie Oscar Fisker Molgaard is projected to center Denmark's second line at the 2026 Men’s Winter Olympics Ice Hockey tournament. The 20-year-old is also slated to skate on Denmark's top power play unit. He will play alongside Niklas Jensen and Joachim Blichfeld. Denmark will commence their tournament on Thursday against Germany, where Fisker Molgaard will face his Kraken teammate, Philipp Grubauer, who is Germany's anticipated starting goaltender.

Kraken Representative Kaapo Kakko to Anchor Finland's Third Line at Olympics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Kraken representative Kaapo Kakko is slated to start the 2026 Men’s Winter Olympics Ice Hockey tournament on Finland's third line. He will be joined by Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell (center) and Eetu Luostarinen. Kakko and Lundell share a history, having played together on the Finnish U-18 team in 2018. This third line is anticipated to take on a crucial defensive shutdown role against opponents' top lines. Finland will begin its Olympic campaign on Wednesday against Slovakia, aiming for a medal.

Kraken Goaltender Philipp Grubauer Anticipated Starter for Germany at Olympics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer is expected to be the No.1 starter for Team Germany at the upcoming 2026 Men’s Winter Olympics Ice Hockey tournament. Germany is considered a formidable contender, with a top nine featuring seven current NHL players. Grubauer's strong play this season, marking a resurgence in his performance, will be a critical factor for the Germans. He is set to face his Kraken teammate, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, when Denmark plays Germany on Thursday.

Kraken's Eeli Tolvanen Set for Finland's Fourth Line at 2026 Olympics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen is slated to begin the 2026 Men’s Winter Olympics Ice Hockey tournament on Finland's fourth line, where he will play alongside Joel Armia and Erik Haula. The 26-year-old is currently enjoying a strong NHL season, on pace to achieve a career-high 45 points. Tolvanen brings previous Olympic experience, having recorded three goals and nine points in five games during the 2018 Olympics. Finland will commence their tournament on Wednesday against Slovakia, with aspirations of securing a medal.

Maple Leafs' Nicolas Roy Emerges as Key Trade Target for Avalanche

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Maple Leafs center Nicolas Roy has become a prominent trade target for the Colorado Avalanche as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The 29-year-old is valued for his dependable, defensively responsible bottom-six role, effective penalty killing, strong faceoff ability, and physical edge. Roy, who has a $3 million cap hit through next season, recorded 73 goals and 113 assists for 186 points in 423 career NHL games, including a Stanley Cup win with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022-23. Despite interest from teams like the Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, Toronto is currently in a strong playoff position and is unlikely to move him unless they opt for a roster retool.

Martin Necas Cleared for 2026 Winter Olympics Debut After Lower-Body Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Martin Necas (lower body) is confirmed available to play for Czechia against Canada on Thursday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, per Dominik Dubovci. Necas, who missed the Colorado Avalanche's final three games before the Olympic break, skated on Czechia's top line with David Pastrnak and Tomas Hertl during Sunday's practice. The 27-year-old forward has recorded 22 goals, 62 points, 124 shots, and 57 hits in 52 NHL games this season.

Canadiens Prospect David Reinbacher Returns from Injury for Laval Rocket

AutoDraft Pro AI

Montreal Canadiens' 2023 first-round pick, David Reinbacher, has returned to action for the Laval Rocket after missing five games due to an injury sustained on January 24 against the Calgary Wranglers. In his return, Reinbacher registered an assist, one shot, and a plus-two rating in the Rocket's 4-1 victory. Despite the positive return, the Austrian defenseman has only played 34 of the Rocket's 47 games this season, which is noted as a hindrance to his development. While Adam Engstrom has surpassed him on the organizational depth chart, Reinbacher's position as a right-shot defenseman offers some distinction.

Sunday, February 8

Top Coaches Exclude Flyers' Matvei Michkov from Hypothetical Russia Olympic Team

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov, despite massive potential and dominating the 2021 U18 World Junior Championships (16 points, 12 goals, MVP), has been omitted from hypothetical 2026 Team Russia Olympic rosters by legendary coaches Igor Larionov and Ilya Vorobyov. Two years into his NHL career, and following a frustrating sophomore season, Michkov is not yet on their radar, with other young talents like Ivan Demidov making the cut. Russia remains banned from international competitions, meaning no NHL players will participate.

Islanders' Ondrej Palat Skates on Czechia's Second Line at First Olympic Practice

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Islanders forward Ondrej Palat, recently acquired from the New Jersey Devils, has joined Team Czechia for their first Olympic practice in Milan. The 34-year-old veteran skated on the second line alongside David Kampf and Ondrej Kase. Palat previously represented Czechia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Team Czechia is set to face Bo Horvat and Team Canada in their opening game on Thursday at 10:40 AM ET.

Jack Hughes Cleared for Olympics After Lower-Body Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jack Hughes (lower body) has been cleared to play for Team USA against Latvia on Thursday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The New Jersey Devils forward missed the final three games before the break but was a full participant in Sunday's practice and feels ready for action. Hughes has recorded 12 goals, 36 points, and 127 shots on net in 36 NHL games this season, making his return a significant boost for the U.S. squad.

Gabriel Landeskog Cleared for Olympics, Named Team Sweden Captain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) has been cleared to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics for Team Sweden. The Colorado Avalanche captain missed the final 14 games before the Olympic break due to injury but is now ready for the tournament. The 33-year-old, who was named captain for Team Sweden, has accumulated 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 41 games for the Avalanche this season, providing a veteran presence for his national team.

Brad Marchand Ready for Canada's Olympic Opener After Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brad Marchand (undisclosed) is confirmed to play for Canada's opening game of the 2026 Winter Olympics against Czechia on Thursday. The Florida Panthers forward had missed 10 of the final 15 games before the Olympic break due to a lingering injury. Marchand has posted 25 goals, 50 points, and 127 shots on net in 46 NHL games this season. He was seen skating on Canada's second line with Nathan MacKinnon and Nick Suzuki during Sunday's practice, signaling his full readiness.

Auston Matthews Named Captain for Team USA at 2026 Olympics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Auston Matthews, representing the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been officially named the captain for Team USA's men's hockey team at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. This significant leadership role highlights his standing as a premier player and will see him lead the American squad in the prestigious international tournament. The announcement solidifies his pivotal position within the national team as they prepare for competition.

Canadiens' Ivan Demidov Returns Early for Event Amidst Calder Race Lead

AutoDraft Pro AI

Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov is cutting his holiday short, returning to Brossard on February 11 to inaugurate the GoPlex e-karting center. The event offers fans a chance to meet the NHL rookie-of-the-year contender. Since joining the Canadiens last April, Demidov has become a fan favorite. He currently leads the rookie scoring race with 46 points, holding a two-point lead over Beckett Sennecke, though Matthew Schaefer is the Calder Trophy favorite. Demidov will face Schaefer for the first time on February 26.

Seth Jones Trade Pick Drama: Panthers' 2026 First-Rounder is Top-Ten Protected

AutoDraft Pro AI

New details confirm the 2026 first-round pick the Chicago Blackhawks received from the Florida Panthers in the Seth Jones trade is top-ten protected, meaning Florida retains it if they finish in the top ten, sliding it to 2027 (and their 2027 pick to 2028). Despite the Panthers' current 10th-worst record due to injuries, this news doesn't diminish the trade for Chicago. They acquired Spencer Knight, a potential decade-long number one goalie, for a disgruntled Jones, making the first-round pick a bonus.

Saturday, February 7

Avery Hayes Scores Hat Trick for WBS After Two-Goal NHL Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Avery Hayes had a remarkable week, scoring a hat trick for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in their 4-3 overtime win over Hershey on Saturday. Hayes opened the scoring on the power play, added a shorthanded goal, and netted the game-winner in overtime. This performance followed his NHL debut for the Penguins on Thursday, where he scored two goals in a 5-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres after being called up due to Noel Acciari's illness. He was re-assigned to WBS on Friday.

Red Wings Prospect Carter Bear Records Hat Trick, Boosts Season Totals

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Red Wings 2025 first-round pick Carter Bear erupted for a hat trick in the Everett Silvertips' recent 6-3 victory over the Kamloops Blazers. This performance increased his season totals to 23 goals and 48 points in 35 games. Bear, who led the Silvertips with 40 goals and 82 points last season, was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract and participated in Detroit's Development Camp. GM Steve Yzerman praised Bear's intelligence, competitiveness, and scoring ability, expressing optimism for his NHL future.

St. Louis Blues Claim Forward Jack Finley Off Waivers From Lightning

AutoDraft Pro AI

The St. Louis Blues have claimed 23-year-old forward Jack Finley off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Finley, the son of former Blues defenseman Jeff Finley, played 22 games for the Lightning this season, recording three points (two goals, one assist). He also contributed three points (one goal, two assists) in three AHL games with Syracuse. Finley, drafted by the Lightning in 2020, is in the first year of a three-year, $2.33 million contract and is expected to report to the Blues after the Olympic break on February 17.